The Tampa Bay Mutiny solidified their goalkeeper position with the acquisition of United States U-23 national team goalkeeper Andy Kirk, who arrived from the San Jose Clash in exchange for a second round draft pick in the 2000 MLS college draft.
Kirk, who made five spectacular saves against the Mutiny in a 2-1 Clash loss at Houlihan's Stadium on Sept. 3, is expected to join Tampa Bay soon. A member of MLS's Project-40, Kirk will join fellow newcomer Scott Garlick to form the Mutiny's goalkeeping tandem for the 1999 MLS season and beyond.
"Like Scott, Andy is highly regarded and proved last year with San Jose that he can also play in this league," Mutiny head coach Tim Hankinson said. "The fans who saw our home game with San Jose last September (3) remember what an outstanding night he had in helping keep the Clash close. Andy has a chance to be the Olympic team goalkeeper in qualifying for the 2000 Summer Games and, if he continues to develop, there's no telling how good he can become.
"With Scott Garlick and Andy Kirk, I believe our goalkeeping is
in excellent hands for the foreseeable future."